Somehow, I think he was really searching for assistance. Sounds like UPI is hiring illiterates these days.
Also note: "Rescue dog," in this instance, probably means that the dog had been rescued by an animal rescue organization (after it had been abandoned), and the dog was being transported by this man to his new home. These organizations often find people to volunteer to drive rescued animals for segments of a long-distance trip, so that no one has to end up driving the animal all the way across several states.
I believe you are correct: